Researchers Explore Non-Laser Method for Vision Correction Using Rabbits
Innovative research presented at the American Chemical Society annual meeting suggests a new approach to vision correction that does not rely on lasers. Scientists from the University of California, Irvine, and Occidental College have developed a method utilizing electromechanical reshaping (EMR) that shows promise for correcting vision issues like myopia, or nearsightedness, potentially offering a less invasive alternative to traditional LASIK surgery.
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a well-established procedure that reshapes the cornea using a laser to improve vision. While effective for many patients, LASIK carries some risks, including eye pain, dry eyes, and halos around lights. Moreover, the procedure involves incisions that can compromise the structural integrity of the eye. Professor Michael Hill, who is leading the current research, noted, “LASIK is just a fancy way of doing traditional surgery. It’s still carving tissue—it’s just carving with a laser.”
Understanding Electromechanical Reshaping
The newly proposed technique leverages EMR, which has previously been used in veterinary applications, such as reshaping rabbit ears and modifying skin in pigs. This method operates on the principle that collagen-rich tissues in the body, including the cornea, behave like moldable materials under specific conditions.
According to Brian Wong, a professor and surgeon at University of California, Irvine, the discovery of EMR was somewhat accidental. He explained, “I was looking at living tissues as moldable materials and discovered this whole process of chemical modification.” The process involves applying an electric voltage to the cornea, which alters the pH of the surrounding tissue, making it more malleable. Once the desired shape is achieved, normal pH levels are restored, locking the tissue into its new form.
In practical terms, the researchers utilized specialized platinum contact lenses as templates for the desired corneal shape. The lenses were placed over rabbit eyeballs submerged in a saline solution. By applying a small voltage for about 60 seconds, the cornea reshaped itself to match the contour of the lens. The procedure mimicked the time frame of LASIK but required fewer steps and did not involve cutting into the eye.
Promising Results and Future Steps
The preliminary experiments involved 12 rabbit eyeballs, with 10 treated as “myopic.” The results were encouraging, as the targeted focusing power of these eyes was effectively corrected. Importantly, the cells within the treated eyeballs remained viable, indicating that the procedure did not harm the tissue. Additionally, researchers found that EMR might even reverse some of the cloudiness in the cornea, a common issue in various vision impairments.
While the findings are promising, it is crucial to recognize that this research is still in its early stages. Hill emphasized the need for rigorous animal studies to validate the safety and effectiveness of EMR before considering clinical applications. The research team plans to explore a broader range of vision problems that EMR may address, including farsightedness and astigmatism.
“There’s a long road between what we’ve done and the clinic,” Hill stated. If successful, this innovative approach could offer a more accessible and cost-effective solution for millions suffering from vision impairments worldwide, potentially transforming the landscape of corrective eye surgery.
